US-based Westinghouse Electric Company has formalised a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with six leading UK suppliers to advance nuclear new build projects in a boost to the UK nuclear energy sector. The partnerships are centred on Westinghouse’s AP1000 and AP300 reactor technologies, designed for deployment in the UK and across international markets. The MOUs were concluded with William Cook Cast Products, Trillium Flow Technology, Curtiss-Wright Controls (UK), Boccard UK, Bendalls Engineering and Sheffield Forgemasters.
Through these agreements, firms, including UK nuclear energy equipment suppliers, are positioned to provide a range of critical reactor components. This includes valves, pumps, actuators, mechanical and electrical piping and instrument (MEPI) modules, along with pressure vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, piping, and both cast and forged steel parts.
Dan Lipman, President of Westinghouse Energy Systems, commented, “Partnering with these suppliers drives real economic benefits by employing local trades and creating jobs for nuclear new build projects in the UK, as well as supporting projects in Europe and internationally.”
At present, six AP1000 units are operational worldwide, with four in China and two in the United States. An additional 12 are under construction, and five have secured contracts. Programmes in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria have also opted for the AP1000 technology, while other potential projects are being explored across Europe and North America. Despite this progress, the AP1000 design is not yet licensed or in operation anywhere in Europe.
In December 2024, Westinghouse entered into a similar MOU with BWXT Canada, granting the Canadian manufacturer potential responsibility for producing AP1000 and AP300 reactor equipment, such as steam generators, reactor vessels, pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Building on this, Westinghouse concluded further MOUs in March with six suppliers in Saskatchewan, supporting nuclear new build projects both domestically and internationally. Nevertheless, Canada’s current nuclear fleet is entirely composed of CANDU reactors, which rely on pressurised heavy water, a distinctly different system from the pressurised water design used in the AP1000. Canada continues to prioritise and invest in the promotion of its CANDU technology.
Westinghouse notes that its AP300 small modular reactor (SMR) incorporates engineering principles, components and supply chain efficiencies drawn from the AP1000 platform. In February 2024, Westinghouse announced an agreement with Community Nuclear Power Limited to construct four AP300 units in the North Teesside area of northeast England.